Local Plan - List of Revisions

A4.3

A4.3/A

Editorial change

Applicants seeking planning permission may range from the large companies developing large sites to individuals extending their dwelling. Their first point of contact is likely to be with the Council’s Planning Services. Within this the Development Control function will make a major contribution in implementation of the Plan's policies and proposals by determining planning applications in accordance with the Plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise (see paras A4.21-A4.23) in an efficient, effective and open way. This requires the needs of all participants to be fairly considered. To achieve this, the Service will provide guidance and advice with the aim of overcoming difficulties through discussion and negotiation wherever possible. Paragraphs A1.12-A1.14 already explain that a range of policies are likely to be applicable to consideration of a proposal. To assist applicants in addressing relevant issues a list of policies is found in the front of the Plan and planning staff can also provide advice.

A4.8

A4.8/A

110/B5

Planning obligations may address a range of issues e.g. transport related matters; provision of community, or recreational or sports facilities; affordable housing; measures to safeguard and enhance the natural and built environment; ensuring balance of uses in mixed-use development; and phasing of proposals. However, their use must be necessary, relevant to planning, directly related to the proposed development, fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the proposed development and reasonable in all other respects.

A4.11

A4.11/A

686/B49, 2975/B3, 3097/B13, 3098/B9, 3099/B5, 3286/B1, 3287/B1

Planning Obligations will therefore be sought not on the basis of size of development but on whether the development generates a demonstrable need for infrastructure facilities or services that cannot be secured through conditions. This may be by the developer making such provision or by contributing to provision of new or improvement of existing facilities. The Council will publish supplementary planning guidance in respect of the levels of contribution which may be sought according to the characteristics of the development. Policy IMP.1 below sets out in which circumstances it will be appropriate for the Local Planning Authority to seek planning obligations. The policy should be read in conjunction with the other policies in the plan and complement them.

Policy IMP.1

IMP.1/A

686/B49, 2975/B3, 3097/B13, 3098/B9, 3099/B5

A4.14

A4.14/B

1427/B27, 1427/B122, 1427/B123

A4.19

A4.19/D

Change arising from publication of Chew Magna CA SPG

A4.20

A4.20/F

Editorial

A4.25

A4.25/B

The Council has already embarked on a number of projects, concentrating its resources to which will help achieve this objective and that have influenced the content of the Plan and will be key in the implementation of its policies and proposals. This has involved working in partnership with other organisations, such as the Environment Agency and the South West Regional Development Agency. These are set out below:

A4.26

The part-derelict former industrial area of Western Riverside covering an area of 39 about 35 ha is the subject of major proposals to create a vital and viable place which reconnects the urban fabric of Bath and offers a high quality residential and employment environment that function as working and living quarters of the city and reinforces the its World Heritage status of the City. (Second sentence moved to start of para A4.26B). This brownfield site will provide the location for a significant part of the housing requirement of the District and for considerable work opportunities served by good transport links. The current work aims to produce a Regeneration Plan leading to a planning application, and a viable Transport Strategy capable of meeting needs of the wider area, together with a funding strategy to secure its implementation. It is expected that this site will come forward in the second half of the Plan period.

A4.26A

A4.26A/A

3276/B8, 3264/B12

Para A4.26B

3264/b12, 3276/B8

The Council is actively promoting the comprehensive regeneration of this site in partnership with a Master Developer Partner, the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), the landowners and local groups. SPG has been produced outlining the key principles and land-use planning requirements in redeveloping the site. It is envisaged that this SPG will provide the framework for a Masterplan. The Masterplan will need to be supported by a viable Transport Strategy capable of meeting the needs of the wider area, together with a funding strategy to secure its implementation and an Environmental Appraisal. Development of the site will need to accord with the Masterplan and is expected to take place on a phased basis over a 10 to 15 year period.

Para A4.26C

A4.26C/A

3276/B8

The regeneration of Western Riverside may also present opportunities to redevelop and improve adjoining or well related sites. Proposals relating to these areas will need to be considered against a range of policies in the Local Plan.

A4.27

A4.27/A

2965/B1

An application for major redevelopment of the Southgate area of Bath city centre is currently under consideration. It will make an important contribution to meeting Local Plan objectives providing 35,000 sq.ms. of modern retail floorspace, leisure facilities, housing/living over the shops residential uses and a more efficient transport interchange. The Council is devoting considerable staff resources into enabling satisfactory proposals to come forward.

A4.27A

A4.27A/A

5020/B1

The Bath Spa Project is a £21 million project funded by the Millennium Commission, Bath & North East Somerset Council and a private sector investor/operator. The Project involves the restoration of five listed buildings and the construction of a new, contemporary style Spa building which will be open to the public from Autumn 2003. The heritage buildings include the Hot Bath – considered to be one of Europe’s most important existing Georgian spa buildings, and the Cross Bath – a Grade 1 listed 18^th century spa bath and pump room. The new Spa will create jobs – some 60 direct and up to 200 indirect – and additional income in the local economy. It is estimated that, in all, the Spa will generate local revenues of at least £3.8m per annum and £5.4m spend locally.

A4.29

A4.29/B

455/B14

Radstock Railway Land Regeneration Scheme Norton-Radstock Regeneration Schemes

A successful bid through the Single Regeneration Budget was made in 1996 by the Norton-Radstock Regeneration Partnership which includes the Council and a range of other public, private and voluntary organisations. An award of £2.9 million to carry out a number of projects over a six year period ending in March 2003, will attract further funding from private and other sources giving a total of around £12 million. Part of this funding is to be used to enable the regeneration of former railway land in the centre of Radstock which will provide homes, employment, retail, railway, leisure and open space uses whilst taking account of nature conservation interests as set out in Policy GDS.1. The scheme is currently the subject of a planning application. Other initiatives will improve the environment of Midsomer Norton town centre.

A4.35

A4.35/A

574/B15

The Forest of Avon Community Forest initiative, financially supported by the Council, has been established around Bristol and its surrounding towns and villages. It promotes the creation, regeneration, and multi-purpose use of well-wooded landscapes, providing wildlife and amenity benefits and opportunities for economic diversification. It can assist in improving the quality of the urban fringe and enable more people to enjoy the countryside close to home.

A4.36

A4.36/A

Editorial change

The Council has played a key role in initiating the "Wild Things" Partnership which is implementing the Biodiversity Action process for the B&NES Bath & North East Somerset area. The Partnership, launched in November 2000 will co-ordinate the activity of a wide number of environmental groups within the area, focusing on a priority list of locally important habitats and species. With the support of English Nature the Council also provides small grants for Biodiversity projects.

A4.37

A4.37/A

Editorial change

The Council is also a key partner in a number of environmental partnerships which extend beyond the B&NES Bath & North East Somerset area i.e. Forest of Avon, Cotswolds AONB, Mendip Hills AONB and the Avon Valley Partnership. These initiatives provide a co-ordinated framework for tackling environmental and quality of life issues, drawing in funding from outside sources including the Countryside Agency and the Forestry Commission. The Cotswolds AONB has recently attracted almost £1.5m from the Heritage lottery fund for a variety of projects.

A4.39

A4.39/A

5001/B84

In accordance with the Local Government Act 2000, the Council is preparing a Community Strategy for the District. Its aim is to enhance the quality of life of local communities through action to improve the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the area and its inhabitants. A range of partner organisations will be involved in its preparation including those from public, private and voluntary sectors. When complete it will influence all other Council strategies including the Local Plan.

A4.40

A4.40/B

5001/B94

Target 2

TGT2/A

578/B30

Better The more efficient use of land.

Target 23

TGT23/B

5001/B147

The number of planning approvals implemented which allow for the net loss of visually important open space.

Target 24

TGT24/A

5001/B93

Total number percentage increase of VDS Village Design Statements.

Target 25

TGT25/A

Editorial change

Provide 15% of aggregates used in B.&N.E.S. Bath & North East Somerset from secondary and recycled sources by 2006.

Target 27

TGT27/A

3126/B28

20% Increase in the number of approved school and major employer travel plans from 10 in 2000 to 25 by 2006.